Sharing a Lane - Did I Earn Bad Karma?

OK, so two of my more recent posts to this blog were about lane sharing (the pros and cons). Well, given my luck this AM, it seems I angered someone - Poseidon, the Greek god of the seas, perhaps?  Here's my story.

Started the day circle swimming with two other guys.  Third guy dropped out after about 15 minutes so second guy suggests we swim our respective sides (parallel).  I agree and quickly take my side for a full lap (up and back).  But upon my second flip turn, I have completely zoned out, forgotten the new parallel routine and am circle swimming again.  What good could come of this? you ask.

Well, I got what I deserve.  As I type this, I am sporting a "shiner" where the second guy hit me in the left eye (goggled fortunately) at full freestyle reach.  I got him on the top of his head in a similar stretch.  It felt like a boxing match, to tell the truth.  It didn't end there.  Momentum forced us both forward despite the punches and we slammed heads together - think rams fighting over the top of the mountain.

In the end, things worked out. We both shook it off and stayed to complete our workouts, and laughed it off when we were done.  My lane partner seemed concerned about the mark he'd left.  I just chalk it up say "my bad".

Sharing Your Lap Lane - Yes, there are Benefits

This past year I grew up.  Really.  I finally learned to share my lane and enjoy it.  In fact, I am known to the guards at the pool as someone who is happy to share my lane - given the swimmer doesn't fall into any of the 10 points in my prior post.  Here's why I am happy to share my lane:

1. Lap swimming can be VERY boring.  Having someone else in the lane, even if you don't communicate with them verbally, keeps your mind a bit more stimulated just by the sheer fact that one must keep aware of where the lane partner is in the pool relative to one's self.
2. Your lane partner can spur you to swim faster.  Who wants to be humiliated by someone in baggy trunks?
3. Your lane partner can make you feel like a fast swimmer, even if you are not - this of course requires your lane partner be a slower swimmer than you.
4. Your lane partner can provide you with a slip-stream if you want to swim along side them like a baby whale does it's momma.
5. By having a lane partner, your lane is less likely to be chosen by the next crappy swimmer who wants to get in your lane. 

No, I didn't list 10 benefits.  I'm sure there are more, but jeez, I never thought there was one good reason before this year.  Give me a break!